Preaching for the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Patricia Smith, RSM offers a reflection on returning to the ancient practice of living in communal anticipation of the return of Christ:
"In their time, Matthew’s audience were ardently awaiting the final coming, the end of the world as they knew it. As that didn’t happen, later generations transferred the hope of Christ’s coming to one’s own personal life at the moment of death. I suggest returning to the original practice . . . And so, in each and every moment, we must be ever vigilant to continue to share the oil of justice, mercy, and all the blessings so critically needed in our world today."
Pat Smith, a Sister of Mercy, is the former Chair of the Board of Mercy High School Baltimore, and a Theological Consultant. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Latin Education from Mount Saint Agnes College, Baltimore; her Master’s degree in Theology from the University of San Francisco; her PhD in Theology from the University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto. She has taught in high school, colleges and at the graduate level. She was Professor of Theology and Academic Dean at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, and served as community theologian for the Sisters of Mercy, Baltimore.
Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/11082020 to learn more about Pat, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.
